Blue Devils win Roscommon wrestling tournament

ROSCOMMON — The Sault High wrestling team captured the Roscommon Tournament on Saturday.

The Blue Devils finished 5-0 in dual meet action, and had six individual champions at the meet.

Sault senior Michael James reached the 100-win milestone for his career.

In the closest matches, the Blue Devils defeated the host Roscommon Bucks 40-39, and edged Standish-Sterling 37-35. The Sault also defeated Lake City 78-0, Manistique 58-24, and Houghton Lake 72-6.

Coach Del Craven said it was a team effort by the Blue Devils, who got some pins that were needed to keep it close, while also not giving up the pins in other matches to come out on top.

Against Standish Sterling, Charlie Dunton delivered an overtime win at 135 pounds, and then Nathan LaJoie recorded a pin with just four seconds left in his match. Also picking up pins were Zach Phillips, Tyler Schumann, and Michael James. Steven Kymes added a 7-1 decision, and Thomas Merchberger sealed the team win with a major decision 12-1.

In the Roscommon match Merchberger,Phillips, Kymes, Nathan LaJoie, and Chase Bouschor earned pins and James added a major decision which was his 100th career win. Tyler Schumann picked up a forfeit, while Adam LaJoie had a big match and kept the score close losing 5-9, which set the team up for the win.

Bringing home gold medals for 5-0 records were Tom Merchberger at 112/119, Zach Phillips at 125/130, Steven Kymes at 152/160, Michael James at 160/171, Nathan LaJoie at 215 with all five pins, and Chase Bouschor at heavyweight.

Winning four matches for the Blue Devils were Charlie Dunton (130/135) and Tyler Schumann (125/130.) Going 3-2 on the day were Tristen Hurley (103), Justin Harstvedt (140) and Michael Davis (145). Patrick Rambo and Adam LaJoie also added wins throughout the day.